Cuba, WHO to cooperate on generic drugs

Havana, March 31 (IANS) Cuba and the World Health Organization have signed an agreement for technology transfer and production of generic drugs.

Health Minister Roberto Morales and visiting WHO Director General Margaret Chan signed the agreement on behalf of the respective sides here Friday, Xinhua reported.

"I am very pleased to sign this agreement with the island because it defines the strategy for our cooperation," Chan said, adding "Cuba has a comprehensive health model, from which many countries can learn."

Morales said Cuba intends to further develop the island's health system and demonstrate what its health staff can do.

Chan arrived in Cuba March 26 to chair the meeting of the WHO Global Policies and met separately with First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Jose Ramon Machado Ventura and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez.

She also visited hospitals and scientific centres in Havana, along with the Director of the Pan American Health Organization Mirtha Roses.